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Bill > HB1074

MS HB1074

MS HB1074
MS Long-Term Care Ombudsman Act; create.

summary

Introduced
01/16/2026
In Committee
01/16/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An Act To Be Known As The Be Known As The Mississippi Long Term Care Ombudsman Act; To Create The State Long-term Care Ombudsman Program In The Department Of Human Services, Within The Division Of Aging And Adult Services; To Provide That The Ombudsman Program Shall Be Headed By The State Long-term Care Ombudsman, Who Shall Be Appointed By The Executive Director Of Human Services; To Provide That The Division Of Aging And Adult Services Shall Have A Designated Legal Counsel To Advise, Assist And Aid The State Ombudsman; To Prescribe Purpose Of The Ombudsman Program; To Specify The Duties And Authority Of The State Long-term Care Ombudsman; To Require The State Ombudsman To Designate Districts To Carry Out The Duties Of The Ombudsman Program Within Local Communities; To Provide For The Appointment Of Representatives Of The Ombudsman Program And Prescribe Their Duties; To Require The Department To Adopt State And Local Complaint Procedures; To Provide For Investigations By Representatives Of The Ombudsman Program And Onsite Facility Visits; To Provide For Complaint Notification And Resolution Procedures; To Provide That Certain Information And Records Of The Ombudsman Are Confidential; To Provide Upon Admission To A Long-term Care Facility, Each Resident Or Representative Of A Resident Must Receive Information Regarding The Ombudsman Program; To Provide Immunity For Any Person Making A Complaint Pursuant To This Act In Good Faith; To Prohibit Retaliation Against A Person For Filing A Complaint With, Providing Information To, Or Otherwise Cooperating With Any Representative Of The Ombudsman Program; To Require The State Ombudsman To Ensure That Appropriate Training Is Provided To All Representatives Of The State Ombudsman Program; To Amend Sections 43-47-7 And 43-47-37, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform To The Preceding Provisions; To Repeal Sections 43-7-51 Through 43-7-79, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Are The Long-term Care Facilities Ombudsman Act; And For Related Purposes.

AI Summary

This bill establishes the Mississippi Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program within the Department of Human Services, specifically within the Division of Aging and Adult Services, to advocate for residents of long-term care facilities. The program will be led by a State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, appointed by the Executive Director of Human Services, and will have designated legal counsel to assist. The program's purpose is to identify, investigate, and resolve complaints regarding residents' rights, health, safety, and welfare, and to enforce laws that protect them. The State Ombudsman will establish districts across the state and appoint representatives, who will be trained and certified to conduct investigations, visit facilities without prior notice, and work with resident and family councils. The bill also clarifies that ombudsman representatives are not mandated reporters of abuse, neglect, or exploitation unless specific conditions are met, and it outlines procedures for complaint notification, resolution, and the confidentiality of records. It provides immunity for individuals making good-faith complaints and prohibits retaliation against those who cooperate with the ombudsman program. The bill repeals existing laws related to long-term care ombudsmen and amends other sections to align with these new provisions, with an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)

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